Jesus did not preach a lovey-dovey, sparkles and rainbows type of sermon. He encouraged His audience to enter the kingdom of heaven, but said it would be difficult. Those who wish to enter must be more righteous than the Pharisees, who were recognized (at least among themselves) as the most righteous sect of the Jews! Jesus preached a plan of righteous living, where men and women are called to a high standard. He also made plain the consequences, mentioning “hell” three times.

 

The way some preach Jesus, we would expect only a lesson on love. Jesus does deal with love, but perhaps not the way we might expect. “Love your enemies,” He said. “Pray for those who persecute you,” He said. And then He did something unexpected – He ripped into the Pharisees, calling them “hypocrites.” This was certainly not a sermon for those who wish to sit nicely in their pews on Sunday morning and go back into the world feeling good about their lives. Jesus said there was work to be done, sins to eradicate, hearts to purify.

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